Crime & Safety
Update: Jury Selection Complete in Riley Bryan Murder Retrial
As of 1:30 p.m. more than 30 potential jurors are being questioned during jury selection at the Pinellas Criminal Justice Center in Clearwater.
1:30 PM: State Attorney David Tobiassen questions more than 30 men and women in the jury pool in the Riley Bryan murder retrial.
1:35 PM: Tobiassen asks if anyone present currently lives in Gulfport. Two women raise their hands. Both say they did not hear of the case and were unfamiliar with the defendant.
1:49 PM: Defense Attorney Jenna Finkelstein questions potential jurors about owning a gun. Several woman said their husband's owned a gun or guns and kept them in the home. One man said he used to have a concealed weapons permit, but it was revoked.
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2:05 PM: Finkelstein asks several people in the group if they believe people have the right to defend themselves. About a half a dozen people said people should be able to defend themselves. One man said "it depends on the severity". Another woman said "if at all possible, you should walk away . . . but if you have to, you have to."
3:13 PM: A jury of twelve people and 2 alternates is chosen. They include: 8 woman and 6 men. They are all sworn in. Opening arguments will follow soon.
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